Ishant Sharma fined for breach of code of conduct

New Delhi, Mar 25: India fast bowler Ishant Sharma has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the third day's play in the fourth and last Test against Australia in Delhi on Sunday, ICC said.

Sharma admitted to the charge and accepted the sanction imposed by ICC Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle without the need to convene a disciplinary hearing.

Through his admission, Sharma was found to have breached Level 1 Article 2.1.6 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel (the "Code"), which relates to pointing or gesturing towards the pavilion by a bowler or a fielder upon the dismissal of a batsman during an International Match.

The incident happened on the fourth ball of the 45th over when Sharma, after dismissing Australia batsman James Pattinson, repeatedly gestured towards the pavilion while in his follow through.

Commenting on his decision, Mr Madugalle said: "Ishant's reaction after dismissing James Pattinson was inappropriate and clearly in breach of the Code. I'm sure Ishant will learn from this incident and ensure such actions are not be repeated in the future."

All Level 1 breaches for this offence carry a penalty of a warning/reprimand and/or the imposition of a fine up to 50 per cent of the applicable match fee. As with other breaches at this level, the ICC Match Referee's decision is final and binding.